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Getting started

The lab for CSC3206 Artificial Intelligence will be using Python as the programming language. The Anaconda distribution of Python is recommended, however, if you are familiar and comfortable with the vanilla distribution of Python. For those who have not installed Python in their machine, proceed to next session. This page only covers the installation of the Anaconda platform as, in my opinion, it is more beginner friendly in terms of installing packages and encapsulating environments.

Installation

  1. Download the Anaconda installer with Python 3 for your system from https://www.anaconda.com/download.

  2. Use the graphical installer to install Anaconda.

Launching IDE

You will be using the Spyder IDE for Python. Feel free to use other IDE or code editor with terminal if that's your preference.

Spyder

  1. Start the Anaconda Navigator from your application list.

  2. From Anaconda base environment, launch Spyder IDE.

  3. The Spyder IDE consists of three parts: the editor, the variable explorer, and the IPython Console.

  4. The editor is where you write your codes.

  5. The variable explorer shows the value of the variable after running the code.

  6. The IPython console allows you to execute commands, interact with the running code, and display visualisation.

  7. After the code is written in the editor, you can execute the code using F5 to run file.

  8. Then the variables and their values can be found in the variable explorer.